In regard to grilling, appropriate fuel will make a difference. Bring on the hardwood lump charcoal that is a favorite of BBQ enthusiasts and also pitmasters. Not only this natural alternative burns fast, but also adds an exquisite taste to the most common meals that helps them become something extraordinary. Are you bored with the snarky chemical flavors or bland meals that the classic briquettes leave you with? Then you have come to the right place, as it is about time to spend some time in the realm of high quality hardwood lump charcoal.

Take a moment and picture turning on your grill with some great dense chunks of wood, which make that crackling and sparking, burn. The smell is in the air and smoky deliciousness is about to be born. Be it grilling steaks or smokin ribs, you can take every bite to the next level with high quality hardwood lump charcoal.

In this guide we are going to take a closer look at what makes hardwood lump charcoal so special as compared to it peers and learn how chunks of wood-based charcoal can make your life as a BBQ enthusiast much easier in addition to giving us some pointers on how to properly pick and use the best charcoal out of the hardwood lump charcoal family!

What is hardwood lump charcoal

Hard wood charcoal is a natural fuel, which is made of actual wood. In contrast to the briquettes, which may have binders and fillers, hardwood lump charcoal  is made of pieces of hardwood that have been charred and carbonized.

It is done through heating of the wood in a place with low oxygen content, which leaves clean-burning pieces that still have the essence and the flavor of the timber used. Depending on the flavor desired, the varieties could be anything between the oak to the hickory or mesquite which have their distinct taste profile.

Using hardwood lump charcoal when you light up your grill it burns extremely hot, and it is a fast burner and is considered hotter than a lot of other choices. That is: you do not have to wait as long before your coals are hot and so, you can concentrate more on making delicious cuisine.

Besides, it generates very little ash than briquettes, and the cleaning experience after the BBQ is ends up easy. Made of all natural ingredients, this sort of charcoal does not only promise you strong performance but is also able to provide you with the serenity of the usage with it.

The difference between hardwood lump charcoal and briquettes

There are two popular products in grilling: The hardwood lump charcoal and also the briquettes are widely used, however, they are completely different in the composition and performance.

Hard wood lump charcoal is produced out of broiled pieces of natural wood. This creates a clean product that has no additives or chemicals. Its organic nature makes it have a stronger flavor which it adds to food.

On the contrary, briquettes can be produced using compressed sawdust, coal dust, and chemical binders. Though there is reliability in terms of shape and size, this mixture may leave off-flavors when cooking.

There is also a variation in burning times; hardwood lump charcoal burns even faster but increases the time of intense burning when compared to briquettes. On the contrary, briquettes require more time to light themselves but give a constant heat with time.

The decision between the two is based on you and the way you like to grill and taste over it.

Benefits of using hardwood lump charcoal for BBQ

Lump charcoal made of hard wood also gives a flavor that gives your BBQ a unique smoky taste. In comparison to briquettes, it burns hotter and quicker, which makes it possible to enjoy a more intense grilling.

Its clean burning is another plus. It results in fewer ash excretions than briquettes and this implies that you do not have to clean up as much after your cookout. This lets you concentrate on the real thing which is to have a good time with your friends and family eating tasty food.

Hardwood lump charcoal has good versatility too. You may apply it to either direct grilling or low cooking such as smoking. It has the capacity to attain great temperatures, which makes it perfect to sear meats and keep that yummy juice.

Also, most brands use sustainably sourced wood. Not only does this eco-friendly option contribute to responsible forestry, but it also fits in a tendency of a more eco-friendly living that grills lovers begin to follow.

How to choose the best hardwood lump charcoal

Making the right selection of the hardwood lump charcoal begins with the origin. Buy products that are made using high-quality hardwood such as oak, hickory or mesquite trees. These woods will add unique tastes to your food.

Consistency in size of the lumps should also be checked. Preferably, you should have that combination of large pieces and small pieces. This makes grilling even and maintains temperature.

Check the packaging to see that it does not have additives or fillers in it to interfere with your BBQ time. There should be the absence of chemicals in pure hardwood lumps charcoal which changes flavor.

Look at the brands that are reviewed positively by other grill lovers. This is a reputation industry; it is usually the reputed brand that gives good goods consistently.

Consider price versus quantity, sometimes it is best to spend slightly more and receive better product as it is better to spend your money as it may take your grilling to the next level.

Top brands of premium hardwood lump charcoal

Regarding high quality hardwood lump charcoal, there are a few brands that can be pointed out as being good quality and effectively performing.

The BBQ lovers like Royal Oak. It has reliable flavor and coins known to give equal size and good burning qualities.

The other leading candidate is Wicked Good Charcoal. This brand is made of natural hardwoods and provides rich aroma to the grilled meats.

Kamado Joe Big Block is perfect when you are concerned about the sustainability of the product. This charcoal is derived in the form of renewable forests; therefore, it burns long and much hotter as compared to most competitors.

Fogo is also worth mentioning because it is all-natural. They produce a high blend of artisan quality so that the production of ash is minimal and provides powerful flavors with each cook.

These brands are favorites to the griller community due to the individual benefits they bring to the grilling community. The selection can be based on a preference or specialized needs in cooking.

Tips for using hardwood lump charcoal for BBQ

With a BBQ that involves the use of hardwood lump charcoal, there are couple of tricks that may prove invaluable. One must begin with good quality charcoal. Find brands that have high-end products which are created of pure natural hard wood.

Clean your grill before you fire it up, do not leave old ashes or any debris on it. This will keep your cooking space clean and air flow is maintained. Ignite the charcoal by using a chimney starter to burn the charcoal evenly without any lighter fluids, a flavoring normally produced.

When the coals are lit, allow them to burn until they become white in ash when you add food. This means that it is at its best temperature to grill. To set up the coals in your grill, you may want to think about dividing the grill into 2 zones; a hot-cooking area with plenty of coals and a cooler area.

Be cautious of the temperatures during the grilling since hardwood lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes but also cools down quickly when not closely watched. Regulate the air flow and temperature during your cook by adjusting air vents accordingly.

Safety should not be overlooked! Long-handled tools should always be used and protective gear worn when handling the hot coals. These are practical tips to bearing in mind which means that you are ready to cook tasty meals over the best hardwood lump charcoal than ever!